From the Bunkers – Week of May 27, 2019

6 years ago

NEW LIMERICK, Maine — It was a beautiful day on Saturday, May 25. While many golfers were enjoying the warm weather and a chance to play in shorts, we had 15 members and friends participate in our volunteer day.

While Jane York and Holly McPartland tended to preparing the gardens, many of the men and a couple of ladies raked and picked up some of the winter debris in the plantation tree areas to the left of two fairway and to the right of two down by the 12th tee box.

The crew here was Vaughn Putnam, Gary Severson, Greg Palmer, Brent and Randy Lincoln, Sharon O’Donnell, Jerry York, Bob Shaw, Kayla and Manny Martinez and Mike Fleming. Raking leaves and cleaning up above the wall at the north side clubhouse entry were Jackie White and son Thomas Wilcox. A special thank you to Brian Fitzpatrick for pruning hedges at No. 1 tee and the driveway entry. After work was completed, all the volunteers were treated to a fine lunch from the Lakeside Restaurant. A big thank you to all for your service to help make your course more beautiful.

Other news is that the driving range is mowed and officially open. Get your tokens at the pro shop before you head down.

Now that the course is coming together, just a reminder to members that membership dues are payable by June 15. Also, if you have not been a member in 2017 or 2018, you will qualify for new member rates of 50 percent off regular fees. This is a great opportunity to get back in the game you love for a very affordable rate. As a member, you also quality for discounted rental carts and practice range tokens, preferred tee times and more. Download the form at the HCGC website.

The Lakeside Restaurant is open for your dining pleasure. Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and early dinner on Sunday. Call Nancy at 694-9494 for your reservations.

The 2019 Golf for Life program is winding down. It has been a challenge for Dave Grant to get everybody together with the rain delays, but I have not heard any complaints.

Grant, along with Bruce Nason, will be running the junior golf clinic again this year starting June 24. All kids ages 6-13 are welcome. The cost is $45 to give your children a gift for a lifetime. Call the pro shop at 532.2662 to register.

The Ladies Association will begin play Tuesday, May 28, with a scramble at 5 p.m. Come on out and get to know your fellow golfers.

The Men’s League will begin on Monday, June 10. There is still room for a couple teams, so call the clubhouse to put your team on the list. The deadline is June 1.

This Saturday, June 1, we will hold our first tournament of the year. Our four-person, 18-hole scramble, the Memorial Tournament, will honor past members who have left us. The cost is $20 per person, with proceeds going to help with flowers for the course. If you can’t play, but would like to sponsor flowers on a tee box, call the clubhouse and leave your name and contact info and our Beautification Committee will get in touch. And I thank you in advance.

The golf course is looking good out there, although there are still a couple of soft spots. If taking a cart, please check with pro shop staff and be alert to damp areas so we don’t tear up the grass. Warmth is coming and with that the grass will be growing quicker. The crew is trying their best to stay ahead of the rain and will be out mowing this week. If you are short for time, just come play nine and enjoy your golf course. And I will see you there.

Houlton Community Golf Course is located on 6 Country Club Drive in New Limerick. For more information on the course call 532-2662 or email houltongolf@gmail.com